Dry Dog Food: Pros and Cons

Dry Dog Food: Pros and Cons By Lindsey Watson

The debate over whether or not dry dog food is good for your pet is still looming. Research has proven, however, that quality dry food can provide canines with the nutrition that they need to live long healthy lives. Popular brand name dog food companies have realized that pet owners want to feed dry food and have stepped up to the challenge by creating nourishing food. It is now relatively easy to find a quality dried food in your local pet store. Choosing this type of food has its pros and cons.

Pros

There are many great aspects of choosing dry dog food for your pet. The following are some of the reasons why owners say that dry food is best for their four legged friend.

· Economical - Dry dog food is budget friendly. While high quality food is likely to cost a bit more than other brands, it is still cheaper than buying cans of wet food. Canned, frozen, or homemade food will cost far more than the highest quality dry dog food.

· Health conscious - There are many healthy options available when choosing food for your dog. By reading labels, you can choose a food that is perfect for your pet. With countless options available, finding a food that your dog enjoys will not be difficult.

· Promotes healthy teeth - Dry food will help your dog have healthier teeth. It serves as a cleaning agent and also strengthens the jaw line of your dog.

· Easier feeding - Dry dog food is more convenient for a busy lifestyle. The product will last longer than wet brands. It also has a better smell!

Cons

Although dried food has many perks, it also comes with its downfalls.

· More preservatives - Your dog is more likely to have an allergic reaction to dry food. This food contains more preservatives and fillers. Reading labels will be especially important if it is determined that your dog has an allergy.

· Many life stages - A dry product will come in life stages. Some dog owners find it difficult to determine when their dog needs to advance to the next level or stage. Older animals that are still eating the "puppy" stage food may not be getting adequate nutrition and their owner may not even be aware of the problem.

· Difficult for older pets - One of the "pros" mentioned above can also be a negative. Dry dog food can be difficult for older dogs with bad teeth to eat. Moistening the food is highly recommended for dogs with this problem.

As you can see, there are both pros and cons of feeding your dog dry food. If you are trying to make the decision on whether or not to feed your dog dry dog food, go with the decision that best suits your lifestyle. Both dry and wet food can be healthy for your dog.